Friday, January 28, 2011

the redefined wish list.

A couple of weeks ago I was watching a new episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." It was about a couple with three children, one of which has some developmental delays due to complications at birth. The couple was struggling to get through day to day life in a home that didn't meet their needs at all, to the point that they were doing their dishes in their BATHTUB, because their kitchen didn't work properly. Not only was it issues like these holding them back, but the house was holding their son back from being able to properly learn and grow.

During the home tour a chalkboard on the wall was brought to attention. At the top of the board was the title, "Our Wish List." What is so significant and beautiful about this is the fact that these weren't wishes of things they wanted for themselves, but things they wanted for their friends and family. (Example: Help "friend" buy an engagement ring.)

How amazing is that? I was inspired. I made a list.

I am selfish. So often, I hear myself saying, "I want, I want, I want." And that, my friends, is disgusting. I know I am not alone in this way of thinking. I'm pretty sure it's quite common...And I'm not saying it's wrong to want things! Of course not! But here's a little recap of me the other day:

"I want a Blythe doll, record player, the complete series of Full House, the complete series of Fresh Prince, blahblahblah."

(I know...I'm cool.)

Really, Lydia?

I mean, I do want those things. And that's okay. But why do I care so much?

So, a couple of nights ago, I lay awake in bed. Just thinking and thinking. Money is weird, I thought. And why do I care if I have things now? They will always exist. Money will come again. Why do I get so selfish? I don't NEED anything. And I have to realize that there is plenty of time to get things...

While I was laying in bed that night, I finally decided that biggest thing of all that I want is to make someone else really, truly, genuinely happy + excited. I want to see someone's face light up, because a wish was fulfilled. A wish that they hadn't even asked for, because that's the kind of person they are.

I'm hoping to fulfill the first wish on my list in the next few weeks. And I couldn't be more excited. I'll share more about it when it comes true!

I love this post, Lydia. Love, love, love it. Was the Extreme Makeover episode about the family in Savannah? I haven't watched it yet but it sounds similar. If so, that house is only three blocks away from ours!